OU, Riley Agree on Contract Extension

By Athletics Communications

University of Oklahoma

JANUARY 01, 2019

NORMAN — The University of Oklahoma and head football coach Lincoln Riley have reached an agreement in principle on a contract extension and salary increase. The contract terms are being finalized and will be subject to approval by the OU Board of Regents, which will meet later this month.

OU President James Gallogly said the change was made now with the desire to have Riley at the school for many years.

"We felt it important to extend and amend Lincoln's contract at this time as we want him at the University of Oklahoma for a long time," said Gallogly. "He is a great coach and role model for our student-athletes. His record of success speaks for itself.

"Lincoln is also the right representative for our university in such a high-profile position. I am proud to work with him and anxious to support him as he takes our program into the future."

"We felt it important to extend and amend Lincoln's contract at this time as we want him at the University of Oklahoma for a long time."- OU President James Gallogly

Vice President and Athletics Director Joe Castiglione also cited Riley's outstanding leadership and a focus on the future of the program under his guidance.

"We're obviously appreciative of what's already been accomplished in such a short time, but strengthening our relationship with Lincoln is also important as we collectively focus on the larger goals of our program," said Castiglione. "He has proven to be one of the most innovative minds in the game today as well as a very successful leader for his student-athletes. His remarkable ascent as one of the most outstanding football coaches in America is grounded in creating the right environment for developing the best growth opportunities for all of his players. The incredible level of achievement and energy around our program all point to a very bright future under his leadership.

"Moreover, Lincoln and Caitlin are tremendous assets to our campus and state. Their representation of OU and contributions to several causes reflect a personal quality that all of us appreciate."

Riley's First Two Seasons

24-4 overall record, 16-2 Big 12

Two Big 12 Championships

Two College Football Playoff appearances

Two Heisman Trophy winners

2018 Co-Big 12 Coach of the Year

Said Riley, "My family and I are very appreciative of the support the University of Oklahoma has shown. We're thankful for the relationships we have with President Gallogly, Joe Castiglione, the OU Board of Regents and the entire Norman community. This has been a great home for us. We've had a great start and we're excited for many more great years in the future."

In his first two seasons at Oklahoma, Riley has led the Sooners to a pair of Big 12 Championships and appearances in the College Football Playoff while producing a 24-4 record, a 16-2 mark in the Big 12 and two Heisman Trophy winners. He was the 2018 Co-Big 12 Coach of the Year.

The last person to win more games than Riley in his first two years as a college head coach was Penn's George Woodruff in 1892-93.